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New advances in targeted therapies for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Jean-Pascal Machiels1, Sandra Schmitz

  • 1Centre du Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Clinique de Cancérologie Cervico-maxillo-faciale, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. pointr_y@yahoo.fr

Anti-Cancer Drugs
|November 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapies show promise for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting molecular pathways like epidermal growth factor receptor. Understanding resistance is key for effective patient selection and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) exhibits deregulated molecular pathways, presenting opportunities for targeted therapies.
  • Cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, enhances survival in HNSCC when combined with standard treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel molecular agents targeting HNSCC.
  • To discuss the potential and challenges of emerging targeted therapies in HNSCC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical data on targeted agents for HNSCC.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways implicated in HNSCC, including EGFR, HER2, IGF-1R, MET, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
  • Consideration of angiogenesis inhibitors and their associated risks.

Main Results:

  • Dual/pan-HER inhibitors, IGF-1R, MET, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors demonstrate preclinical or early clinical efficacy.
  • Angiogenesis inhibitors require cautious use in HNSCC due to bleeding risks.
  • A subset of patients benefits from these novel targeted agents.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging targeted therapies offer new avenues for HNSCC treatment, with several agents showing promise.
  • Predicting treatment efficacy through understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for patient selection.
  • Further research is needed to optimize the use of these therapies and overcome resistance in HNSCC.

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